Key overplays hand and puts dairy trade at risk – Labour

Prime Minister John Key and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy’s use of the term “eco terrorism” is unfortunate, Labour’s Primary Industries and Food Safety spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“It has already played into the hands of our international trade competitors after the phrase was repeated in overseas publications.

“John Key is overplaying what is effectively the work of an independent idiot and nutter.

“We cannot afford to have a Prime Minister and his junior playing fast and loose with words that could seriously undermine our $11 billion dairy export industry.

“Everyone hopes the Police will quickly resolve this situation so we can reassure our international trade partners that New Zealand continues to produce the highest quality and safest food in the world,” Damien O’Connor says.

Selwyn Manning, BCS (Hons.) MCS (Hons.) is an investigative political journalist with 23 years media experience. He specializes in reportage and analysis of socioeconomics, politics, foreign affairs, and security/intelligence issues.
Selwyn has extensive experience as a commentator and has provided live political analysis to a wide range of television and radio organizations broadcasting in New Zealand, Australia and globally including the BBC (Five Live, London) and BBC (World Service). He is currently a correspondent to Australia's FiveAA radio, and is a regular live-on-air panelist on Radio New Zealand's The Panel with broadcaster Jim Mora.